Description
1940's Gilbert Adrian Dress
Amazing opportunity to own a museum quality very rare silk 1940s Gilbert Adrian vintage designer dress in an exotic novelty print. This dress came from the estate of a Northwest high end department store owner who saved 3 pieces from her 1940's store and all 3 are Gilbert Adrian dresses! This one is exceptional with what appears to be pages out of a book and images of snakes, bugs, birds, and jungle cats. Classic Adrian original shoulder pads, butterfly sleeves and two ties - one for the neck and the other for the waist. Side metal zipper and appears to have never been worn.
| Bust | 36" to 38" |
| Waist | 28" |
| Hips | Free |
| Length from top of shoulder to waist | 16" |
| Length from waist | 40" |
| Side slit in skirt | 17" |
| Condition | Excellent |
He designed Dorothy's red slippers, but Adrian is loved by fashion collectors for his unforgetable designs for many of Hollywood's most glamorous leading laides.During the golden age of Hollywood, Gilbert Adrian turned ordinary actresses into immortal icons. His reported favorite was Greta Garbo but his clientele also included Joan Crawford, (yes, he gave her those unforgettable shoulder pads),Norma Shearer and Jean Harlow. He designed costumes for all of MGM’s lead actresses for 13 years and then opened his own shop in Beverly Hills. He is credited for having given many of those same actresses the "look" for which they were known.
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a similar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE
Modig is closing on 12/20/2024.
No returns or exchanges, all sales final.
Measuring & Fit Guide
We offer a large selection of designers and manufacturers that span the 20th and early 21st century. Sizing varies greatly, so we have outlined our measuring and size estimating process.
The best way to know if a vintage item will fit you is to take a garment that fits you well, similar to the one you are interested in purchasing, and measure it the way we measure ours.
View our video guide to taking accurate body measurements:
We lay all garments flat and measure as follows*:
| DRESSES | PANTS | |
|
BUST - under arm to under arm across the front and then double that measurement. |
Measure the WAISTBAND, widest part of the HIPS, widest part of the THIGH on one leg and width of the CUFF, then double those measurements |
|
|
WAIST - find the smallest part of the garment if there isn't an obvious seam for the waist and measure across and then double that measurement. |
LENGTH - Measure from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the cuff along the side seam. | |
| HIPS - Find the largest part of the hip area and measure flat, then double that measurement. | RISE - Measure from the crotch to the top of the waistband. | |
| LENGTH - from the nape of the neck or the top of the shoulders, depending on the style of garment. We will measure to the waist when applicable, so that you can determine if it will fit your torso, and then a waist down measurement. | INSEAM - Measure from the crotch to the bottom of the cuff along the inside seam. | |
|
SLEEVES - measure from the top of the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve. When we think that the arm opening is particularly small, we will provide that measurement as well.** |
*Fabrics with stretch will have some give, we will try to mention the range of measurements that will fit comfortably.
**With dolman sleeves, the size is an estimation based on the waist as the body seamlessly joins the sleeve. 
Feel free to email us with specific questions about specific measurements that we may not have included that you need to know in order to feel confident about your purchase. If you have a particularly long torso, short legs, long arms, etc.. we can help you determine whether or not a garment will work for your body.
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Measurements, not size. View our Measuring Guide
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Description
1940's Gilbert Adrian Dress
Amazing opportunity to own a museum quality very rare silk 1940s Gilbert Adrian vintage designer dress in an exotic novelty print. This dress came from the estate of a Northwest high end department store owner who saved 3 pieces from her 1940's store and all 3 are Gilbert Adrian dresses! This one is exceptional with what appears to be pages out of a book and images of snakes, bugs, birds, and jungle cats. Classic Adrian original shoulder pads, butterfly sleeves and two ties - one for the neck and the other for the waist. Side metal zipper and appears to have never been worn.
| Bust | 36" to 38" |
| Waist | 28" |
| Hips | Free |
| Length from top of shoulder to waist | 16" |
| Length from waist | 40" |
| Side slit in skirt | 17" |
| Condition | Excellent |
He designed Dorothy's red slippers, but Adrian is loved by fashion collectors for his unforgetable designs for many of Hollywood's most glamorous leading laides.During the golden age of Hollywood, Gilbert Adrian turned ordinary actresses into immortal icons. His reported favorite was Greta Garbo but his clientele also included Joan Crawford, (yes, he gave her those unforgettable shoulder pads),Norma Shearer and Jean Harlow. He designed costumes for all of MGM’s lead actresses for 13 years and then opened his own shop in Beverly Hills. He is credited for having given many of those same actresses the "look" for which they were known.
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a similar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
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